Victor Jagow

Victor Russel Jagow, 89, longtime resident of Thurmont, was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on November 27, 2017, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. The kind, generous heart he so faithfully shared with his family, community and church just simply wore out. He was the husband of Betty Louise Wise Jagow. They would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this Christmas.
Born on January 1, 1928, in Niagara Falls, NY, Victor was the son of Frederick W. and Magdalena Hoffmeister Jagow, the third youngest of his 11 siblings. He attended schools in Niagara Falls, Concordia High School & Jr. College in Fort Wayne, IN, Niagara University and Johns Hopkins University.
He was employed by Moore Business Forms, Inc., Niagara Falls, for ten years before being transferred to the Thurmont plant in 1955, where he held various supervisory positions before retiring 45 years later as plant comptroller in 1990.
During his working years, but especially after retirement, he considered it his Christian duty to serve his community and church whenever able. His devotion to volunteer service benefitted myriad organizations including: Thurmont Lions Club (charter member), Thurmont & Frederick County Public Libraries and Literacy Council, F&M Nat’l Bank of Thurmont (director), Catoctin Medical Center, and a long list of Town Councils. A lifelong Lutheran, he also devoted years of service to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Thurmont and most recently, Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, Walkersville MD. Additionally, Victor was an important father figure to members of The Coachmen, a popular local cover band that included his son, Gary, which he founded and managed during the 1960s.
Although Victor graciously accepted awards and honors for his service, he downplayed them. The one exception happened in 2010, when the town of Thurmont declared May 15 as “VJ Day,” an event held to honor him at the Thurmont Public Library that included testimonials praising his service, but most enjoyable to him, a special reunion concert by The Coachmen that had the whole place rocking and rolling. Afterward he admitted it was one of the best days of his life.
In addition to his loving wife, Victor is survived by son Gary and life partner Harriette, of Littlestown PA; daughter Gwen and husband Jerry Leahy, of New Smyrna Beach, FL; two grandchildren, Shawn and Shannon Leahy; three great-grandchildren, Nile (Andrew) Potts, Cassidy Atteberry-Leahy, and Gavin Leahy; and two great-great grandchildren, Emry and Meriwether Potts. Victor is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Winter of North Tonawanda, NY. Victor will also be missed by precious family friends, Rocky Birely, Alban Little, Bill Sheehan, Joann Miller, Nancy Dutterer, and by his special caregiver, Juanita Townsend.
The family would like to thank the caregiving team of the Mt. View wing at St. Joseph’s Ministries as well as the FMH 4th floor nursing staff and housekeeping staff “singing angel,” who kept his spirits up during his final days.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m, Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 East Main Street, Thurmont. Burial will be strictly private at Blue Ridge Cemetery, Thurmont, and per Victor’s wishes, before the funeral service. The funeral service will be at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, 8798 Adventure Ave, Walkersville, on Monday, December 4, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Dave Weber officiating.
In lieu of flowers, it is strongly encouraged to make memorial donations to the Wilmer Eye Institute or to the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Better yet, please honor Victor by volunteering your time to the non-profit or community organization of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.